Studio Practice : Studio Brief 01 - Wayfinding - Chosen location and further research

The reason I chose to re-design a way finding system for Leeds Train Station, is because I think of acchieving a successful navigation in a often-overwhelming environment is a challenge.

From 2014-2015, 28.848 million people used the stations transport links and each year from 2008 the amount of annual usage has almost increased (except 2009/10).

2007/08 + 18.121 million

2008/09 + 22.422 million

2009/10 - 21.978 million

2010/11 + 24.491 million

2011/12 + 25.020 million

2012/13 + 26.201 million

2013/14 + 27.729 million

The interior of the station was last re-built in 2002, which means it has had little improvements within its interior and way finding system since. On my many visits to the station when travelling from university to home, I find the environment within the station to be completely dull, boring, uninspiring and outdated.

The direction signs although give impact with the contrast between the deep blue background and white typography, are somewhat messy and feel unorganised. The information the sign communicates is simple to read, however, it could be improved by setting the locations of the places more side by side instead of all on top of each other, which gives the illusion a lot is going on - potentially being confusing for a rushing train passenger.

The train station in parts can be rather dingy and it relies on the spotlights heavily. Small fitted lighting is also used to light up the 'Tickets' signs. I find this to be quite unnecessary. If the signage was to be designed with a light background and dark type it would be more effective and not have to rely on the lighting as much. Or instead, use lighting within the sign.

Birds eye view map found on the internet

map of the platforms

All around the station I found no type of map for the site, except a general one that shows the centre of leeds and can be found in various places around the city centre.

General Leeds city centre map

Future Plans

Leeds City railway station is the second busiest railway station outside London in England, being a very busy railway station, expansion is needed. Passenger numbers at Leeds are expected to surge by 63% by 2029, meaning further expansion is necessary.

A £17.3 million southern entrance to allow for easier access from the south is currently under construction.The proposal is to widen the railway station's western footbridge and provide escalators, stairs and lifts to a partial deck over the River Aire in a structure intended to be iconic. It will contain extra ticket vending machines and cycle storage. Around 20% of passengers are expected to use the new entrance. The entrance opened to passengers in January 2016.

Graphic mock-up of the platform extensions

Plans are being drawn up to expand the railway station's capacity with new lines and platforms alongside platform one in the Riverside Car Park on the site of the original Leeds Wellington railway station to cater for predicted growth. Also, Metro announced plans to replace platforms 1A, 1B and 1C with three separate platforms using the car park next to the platform 1's. This would increase platform numbers from 17 to 19.

Design Inspiration

With all these future plans of expanding the train station to fit the needs of the growing passengers, it is very probable the whole station will be re-designed, maybe even re-built.

The idea of a new, larger train station is what I may base my designs on, instead of focusing on what is there, completely re-new it's aesthetic and improve the current way finding system.